As the proposed anti-terror laws look set to be introduced into Parliament in the coming weeks, there is only very little time to have your say. However there is a final opportunity which should be taken advantage of. The Anti-Terrorism Bill is likely to be referred to a Senate Committee Inquiry, which will review the Bill. A Senate Committee Inquiry will be an opportunity for members of the community to express their views in a meaningful way as they will be considered by the Committee. The Committee will be required to report to Parliament about the Bill, including whether or not there is widespread public support or opposition.

Every person can make a submission that will have an impact on this Bill, but we must move quickly.

Making a submission is as easy as putting your thoughts in an e-mail or a fax. It is best if you write your own letter to the Committee.

But if you are unsure what to write, AMCRAN and also the Civil Rights Network have prepared pro forma submissions that may be useful.

If you wish to use a pro forma, all you need to do is add your name and address, sign it and send it. If you are e-mailing your submission, you will need to include your name and address so they can verify you are a real person. However if you want your submission to remain confidential you can ask them to keep it confidential.

Note: You do not need to be scared about making a submission. Submissions
are protected by parliamentary privilege. It is an offence for anyone to
try to stop you from making a submission by threats or intimidation. It is
an offence for anyone to harass you or discriminate against you because
you have made a submission.